I’ll be honest, when I first heard about grasscloth wallpaper, I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of it. Another fancy wallpaper type on an already overwhelming list? But after testing it with a few of my own designs, I get it now. There’s something about the texture, the way it catches the light, that makes a wall feel completely different. Not just covered, but considered.
If you’re curious about grasscloth or wondering whether it’s right for your space, let me walk you through what it is and why it might be worth a try.
What Is Grasscloth Wallpaper?
Grasscloth is made from real sisal fibres that are handwoven into a wallcovering. Think of it as wallpaper meets natural texture. Each roll has subtle variations in colour and weave because it’s crafted by hand, which means no two walls will look exactly the same. That might sound like a flaw, but it’s actually the charm. The natural inconsistencies give it warmth and character that printed wallpaper simply can’t match.
The fibres have a soft lustre that shifts with the light throughout the day. It’s not shiny or flashy, just quietly beautiful, grounding a room in a way that feels calm and real.
Why Choose Grasscloth?
Here’s what grasscloth brings that other wallpapers can’t:
Depth and texture. When someone walks into a room with grasscloth, they notice. Not because it’s loud, but because there’s a tactile quality that makes the walls feel alive.
Perfect for feature walls. Grasscloth has enough presence to stand alone without needing busy patterns or bold colours to make an impact.
Calm luxury. Natural materials always bring a sense of ease. Grasscloth feels like bringing the outdoors in, grounding a space with quiet, intentional style.
Now for the honest bits: grasscloth isn’t suitable for bathrooms or high-moisture areas. The fibres don’t love humidity. It’s also more expensive than other types, and I’d strongly recommend professional installation. This isn’t a weekend DIY project unless you’re already confident with traditional wallpaper.
And a personal aside — if you have cats, take note. When I was growing up, our living room was covered in hessian wallpaper, and our three cats treated it like their personal climbing wall. The texture that humans love? Cats often love even more.
How Grasscloth Differs from Other Wallpapers
If you’re trying to place grasscloth in the wider wallpaper world, here’s the comparison:
Peel & Stick: Quick to install, renter-friendly, but surface-level. Grasscloth takes more effort, but brings real fibre texture.
Pre-pasted: Smooth, water-activated, easy to install. A practical choice if you want simplicity, but it lacks the tactile presence of woven fibres.
Traditional: Durable with a slight pebble texture, recommended for long-lasting residential use and some low-moisture bathrooms. Grasscloth, by contrast, is more delicate and brings a natural, hand-crafted finish that feels richer.
Vinyl: Durable, wipeable, practical for high-traffic spaces. But synthetic. Grasscloth is 100% natural, bringing organic warmth that vinyl can’t.
The trade-off is clear: grasscloth costs more and needs more care, but it offers something none of the others can, genuine fibre texture and subtle luxury that feels both elevated and natural.
My Grasscloth-Ready Designs
I’m currently testing five of my designs on grasscloth to see how they translate to this texture. Each one brings something different:
Modern Plaid Wallpaper, Japandi Botanical Wallpaper, Striped Wallpaper, Willow Bough Branches Wallpaper, Victorian Damask Floral Wallpaper.
I’m starting small, because I want to see how you respond before expanding the range. If it proves popular, I’ll add more — but for now, these five are a good introduction. Order a swatch to get started.
Technical Bits Worth Knowing
Material: 100% natural sisal grass with a non-woven backing
Eco credentials: Class A fire-rated, PVC-free, printed with Greenguard Gold certified water-based inks
Appearance: Expect visible seams and colour variations — part of the appeal
Care: Dust gently with a cloth or vacuum; no harsh cleaners
Use: Best for feature walls in lower-traffic areas such as bedrooms, living rooms, or studies
Install: Professional installation strongly recommended
Worth a Try?
If you’re drawn to natural materials and want to add real texture to a space, grasscloth might be just what you’re looking for. It’s not for every room, but when it works, it really works.
If it were me, I’d start with a swatch. Hold it against your wall at different times of day and see how the light plays across the texture. You’ll know quickly if it’s speaking to you.
Shout if you’d like to bounce ideas around about which design could work best for your space. I’m here if you want a second opinion.